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Arbitrator issues principled decision on identification of grievors and other complainants

On September 5th, Arbitrator Abramsky dismissed a motion to anonymize the name of an individual who had grieved harassment, discrimination and a reprisal.

In making its request, the Union rested heavily on the fact the grievance would invite the disclosure of the grievor’s medical information – information about a learning disability and back problems. It also argued that no purpose would be served by publication of the grievor’s identity.

Ms. Abramsky held that the open court principle applied to the statutory tribunal for whom she was sitting (the GSB in Ontario) and that openness was therefore presumed absent a “compelling reason.” In doing so, she endorsed the following statement about the identification of individuals who file serious complaints:

This rationale – that litigants who make serious accusations should not do so “from behind a veil of anonymity, assured that they will not be identified if they are found not to be credible, their allegations are rejected” – has significant resonance. It is very easy to make serious assertions and claims. When doing so – and pursuing such a claim – litigants should not be able to hide behind anonymity, absent a compelling reason to allow it. Confidence in the administration of justice – and the open court principle – requires it.

Ms. Abramsky also held that medical information can vary in sensitivity and that, in the circumstances, anonymization was not justified.